Amid the awkward silence, Ashrik and Lucille stared at each other. It lasted only a second, perhaps two, but it felt way longer than that.
He took in how her eyes had widened slightly and unfocused, as if she hadn't quite caught up with what had just happened. Then, a slight flush crept onto her cheeks as the realization dawned on her.
Lucille blinked, looking away hurriedly. Once their eye contact was broken, Ashrik cursed himself inwardly.
'Screw you, Ash.'
He was painfully aware of how his reaction had betrayed his composure. He was visibly flustered, nothing like the calm and measured man he usually was.
As for Lucille, her thoughts had stumbled over each other. She hadn't expected that answer, and certainly not how quickly he had rejected Hazel's teasing.
Then...
"Hahaha!"
The culprit burst out laughing.
